Spending Your Life Doing What?
Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
Observation
What are you spending your life doing? Would Paul if he were alive and a member of your church say the same thing about you that he said about the family of Stephanas? These were some of the first converts that Paul reached in Greece and they were very committed to serving Christ. They served Christ by serving people and of course that is how you serve Christ.
Church attendance is just church attendance, but spending your lives in service to God’s people now that is what we are called to do.
Are you spending your life in service for God’s people or are you just showing up for church on Sunday?
Application
I will write some people in our church that are spending their lives in service to God’s people and thank them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the dedication of my staff. They serve you by spending their lives in service to those in our church. I pray that You bless them. Bring people into their lives that will encourage them. Help them to see the fruit of their labor and I pray that You will help them not to become discouraged. Help them to be on guard, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous and to be strong. And help them to do everything with love.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
“Always” Work Enthusiastically For The Lord
Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
The word “Always” is a tough word. When we say that word when we are fighting with a loved one it is never true, “You always”…(you can finish this sentence with what ever you usually say when you are fighting). It is never true because we are exaggerating to make our point.
But the point here that Paul is making is super important when we do something for the Lord we should “always” do it with enthusiasm because whatever we do for the Lord always counts. It is going to last forever!
So much of what we do is not for the Lord it is for ourselves. Paul says that we should be strong and immovable and always serve the Lord enthusiastically. The call for us to be strong and immovable means only one thing to me it means that as we serve the Lord there will be a tendency for us to become tired, weak and discouraged and then the temptation will be for us to give up.
Paul is encouraging us this morning to evaluate what we are doing for the Lord, to think about it, and to get back into the battle with enthusiasm. Because whatever we accomplish for the Lord is “never”…let me repeat that one more time “never” useless! It is “always” fruitful!
Application
I will serve the Lord “enthusiastically” this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and immovable. Give me energy and enthusiasm for Your work. I know that what I do for You this week will last forever! I pray for Your direction. Show me what to focus on! Thank you for calling me to Your service. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
The word “Always” is a tough word. When we say that word when we are fighting with a loved one it is never true, “You always”…(you can finish this sentence with what ever you usually say when you are fighting). It is never true because we are exaggerating to make our point.
But the point here that Paul is making is super important when we do something for the Lord we should “always” do it with enthusiasm because whatever we do for the Lord always counts. It is going to last forever!
So much of what we do is not for the Lord it is for ourselves. Paul says that we should be strong and immovable and always serve the Lord enthusiastically. The call for us to be strong and immovable means only one thing to me it means that as we serve the Lord there will be a tendency for us to become tired, weak and discouraged and then the temptation will be for us to give up.
Paul is encouraging us this morning to evaluate what we are doing for the Lord, to think about it, and to get back into the battle with enthusiasm. Because whatever we accomplish for the Lord is “never”…let me repeat that one more time “never” useless! It is “always” fruitful!
Application
I will serve the Lord “enthusiastically” this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and immovable. Give me energy and enthusiasm for Your work. I know that what I do for You this week will last forever! I pray for Your direction. Show me what to focus on! Thank you for calling me to Your service. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
You Must Believe In People!
Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!”
Observation
The Lord came to Gideon as he was threshing out wheat hiding down in a winepress. He was hiding because he was scared of the Midianites. God comes to him while he is down there hiding and greets him with this greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” I think that at that moment Gideon began looking around for the person that the Lord was speaking to because he sure didn’t consider himself a “Mighty hero”. At that moment he wasn’t the Mighty hero, but the Lord saw the potential in Gideon. And as you read today’s Bible reading Gideon became God’s Mighty hero by the end of chapter seven!
We have to see the potential in the people around us. We must believe in them. They may rise or fall depending on our expectations of them. Who can you help live up to their potential …how? … By giving them an encouraging word today?
Application
I will look for the best in people and encourage them to live up to their potential.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to believe in others and help me to encourage them to become all that God wants them to be.
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Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!”
Observation
The Lord came to Gideon as he was threshing out wheat hiding down in a winepress. He was hiding because he was scared of the Midianites. God comes to him while he is down there hiding and greets him with this greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” I think that at that moment Gideon began looking around for the person that the Lord was speaking to because he sure didn’t consider himself a “Mighty hero”. At that moment he wasn’t the Mighty hero, but the Lord saw the potential in Gideon. And as you read today’s Bible reading Gideon became God’s Mighty hero by the end of chapter seven!
We have to see the potential in the people around us. We must believe in them. They may rise or fall depending on our expectations of them. Who can you help live up to their potential …how? … By giving them an encouraging word today?
Application
I will look for the best in people and encourage them to live up to their potential.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to believe in others and help me to encourage them to become all that God wants them to be.
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Saturday, March 28, 2009
40 Days of Love And You Are Still Fighting!
Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Observation
Our church has just finished a church wide spiritual growth campaign called “40 Days of Love”. Just because we have talked about how we should love doesn’t mean that we are all happy at home and everything is peachy keen! In fact, shouldn’t we expect that what we have learned would soon be put to the test.
Yesterday, Kathy and I had to say to each other “I am sorry”! You see we have spent 40 Days learning how to correctly respond to each other when we lose it. It is wrong to think that all of a sudden we are going to be so loving and so kind to everyone that there will be no more misunderstandings and hurt feelings. We are still sinners and we are still going to mess up … a lot. What we should have learned through this incredible study is how we should treat each other after or when we get angry because we are still going to get angry.
Personally I have learned a lot about anger and how to better control it over the past 40 days. And I know that my new knowledge will be put to the test!
Application
I will begin to memorize I Corinthians 13.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out I Corinthians 13!
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Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Observation
Our church has just finished a church wide spiritual growth campaign called “40 Days of Love”. Just because we have talked about how we should love doesn’t mean that we are all happy at home and everything is peachy keen! In fact, shouldn’t we expect that what we have learned would soon be put to the test.
Yesterday, Kathy and I had to say to each other “I am sorry”! You see we have spent 40 Days learning how to correctly respond to each other when we lose it. It is wrong to think that all of a sudden we are going to be so loving and so kind to everyone that there will be no more misunderstandings and hurt feelings. We are still sinners and we are still going to mess up … a lot. What we should have learned through this incredible study is how we should treat each other after or when we get angry because we are still going to get angry.
Personally I have learned a lot about anger and how to better control it over the past 40 days. And I know that my new knowledge will be put to the test!
Application
I will begin to memorize I Corinthians 13.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out I Corinthians 13!
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Why You Have a Spiritual Gift(s)!
Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 12
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
Observation
Paul was talking to Christians and told them that the reason that God had given them a spiritual gift(s) was for others. We have been given the spiritual gift(s) for the benefit of the church, the body of Christ. They are not for our own use or for our own ego; no they are to help believers around us.
I have noticed that people who are single have a huge problem understanding that they are to use their spiritual gift(s) and serve. I guess because they are single and don’t have the responsibility and probably the support of a spouse that for many of them their world revolves around themselves. But Paul says that they are to use their spiritual gift or spiritual gifts to serve others.
Paul suggested that folks should remain single if possible so that they could commit more of their time to serving the Lord. It makes sense that if you are single (never married) and don’t have the responsibility of a family or of taking care of the needs of a spouse that you as a single person would have more time to be devoted to the Lord. Paul says that if you can remain single do it so you can serve the Lord with more devotion. I need to encourage our singles to step up to the plate and be more committed to serving others.
Application
I will work harder at involving our members in areas of service especially our singles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You and love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.
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Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 12
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
Observation
Paul was talking to Christians and told them that the reason that God had given them a spiritual gift(s) was for others. We have been given the spiritual gift(s) for the benefit of the church, the body of Christ. They are not for our own use or for our own ego; no they are to help believers around us.
I have noticed that people who are single have a huge problem understanding that they are to use their spiritual gift(s) and serve. I guess because they are single and don’t have the responsibility and probably the support of a spouse that for many of them their world revolves around themselves. But Paul says that they are to use their spiritual gift or spiritual gifts to serve others.
Paul suggested that folks should remain single if possible so that they could commit more of their time to serving the Lord. It makes sense that if you are single (never married) and don’t have the responsibility of a family or of taking care of the needs of a spouse that you as a single person would have more time to be devoted to the Lord. Paul says that if you can remain single do it so you can serve the Lord with more devotion. I need to encourage our singles to step up to the plate and be more committed to serving others.
Application
I will work harder at involving our members in areas of service especially our singles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You and love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
What?
Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 11
20 When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. 21 For some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. 22 What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!
23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.
31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. 34 If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.
Observation
The church at Corinth was a mess. People getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper celebration and people eating all the food and letting others go hungry. It was a mess. Paul said that people were getting sick and dying in the fellowship because they were abusing and neglecting the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper at our church. I know that no one will get drunk because we use grape juice, but I don’t know how many will take the Lord’s Supper with the wrong attitude. Everyone needs to prepare his or her heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Maybe we ought to start right now!
Application
I will examine my heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that this Sunday would be a very special day as we celebrate what Christ did for us. As we take the Lord’s Supper help all of us take special interest in what we are doing. May You be glorified and lifted up and may You be pleased with us as we worship You this Sunday.
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Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 11
20 When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. 21 For some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. 22 What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!
23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.
31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. 34 If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.
Observation
The church at Corinth was a mess. People getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper celebration and people eating all the food and letting others go hungry. It was a mess. Paul said that people were getting sick and dying in the fellowship because they were abusing and neglecting the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper at our church. I know that no one will get drunk because we use grape juice, but I don’t know how many will take the Lord’s Supper with the wrong attitude. Everyone needs to prepare his or her heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Maybe we ought to start right now!
Application
I will examine my heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that this Sunday would be a very special day as we celebrate what Christ did for us. As we take the Lord’s Supper help all of us take special interest in what we are doing. May You be glorified and lifted up and may You be pleased with us as we worship You this Sunday.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Life is Not All About You!
Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
Here is the secret to experiencing a rich and full life a life full of meaning and purpose:
1. Do everything for the glory of God.
2. Do what is best for others and not what is best for you so that many may be saved.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
Application
I will help people understand this secret to life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I talk with people every day that are concerned only about themselves. They are miserable. All they need to do is begin to serve You and serve people around them to find joy and purpose in life, but they can’t get past the big “me”. Help me to help them. I pray that you set them free from their selfishness and give them a ministry where they find life and place to bring You glory and give them a ministry that brings others to salvation.
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Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Here is the secret to experiencing a rich and full life a life full of meaning and purpose:
1. Do everything for the glory of God.
2. Do what is best for others and not what is best for you so that many may be saved.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
Application
I will help people understand this secret to life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I talk with people every day that are concerned only about themselves. They are miserable. All they need to do is begin to serve You and serve people around them to find joy and purpose in life, but they can’t get past the big “me”. Help me to help them. I pray that you set them free from their selfishness and give them a ministry where they find life and place to bring You glory and give them a ministry that brings others to salvation.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
“Finding Common Ground”
Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 9
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Observation
The key to bringing people to Jesus is “finding common ground” with them. Paul said that no matter who he was with whether it was Jews, Gentiles, or folks that were weak he found common ground with them so he could bring them the message of Christ. He did whatever it took so people could hear the Good News and be saved.
So if it is someone that is homeless or someone that is very well off, someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, or some other kind of addiction, someone that loves to play golf, or loves to fish, or someone that is into computers, we have to find common ground with them to bring them to Christ.
How are we doing at finding common ground?
Application
I will look for someone that needs Jesus and I will then look for “common ground”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to find someone that needs Jesus and then show me how to relate to him. Show me where we have the common ground. So he has the opportunity to be saved.
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Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 9
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Observation
The key to bringing people to Jesus is “finding common ground” with them. Paul said that no matter who he was with whether it was Jews, Gentiles, or folks that were weak he found common ground with them so he could bring them the message of Christ. He did whatever it took so people could hear the Good News and be saved.
So if it is someone that is homeless or someone that is very well off, someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, or some other kind of addiction, someone that loves to play golf, or loves to fish, or someone that is into computers, we have to find common ground with them to bring them to Christ.
How are we doing at finding common ground?
Application
I will look for someone that needs Jesus and I will then look for “common ground”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to find someone that needs Jesus and then show me how to relate to him. Show me where we have the common ground. So he has the opportunity to be saved.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Drinking
Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8
9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
Observation
There is freedom in Christ but we can’t flaunt that freedom and hurt folks that may be weaker than we are. Drinking alcohol is probably the closest example of what Paul was talking about in this passage about eating meat that had been used in idol worship. Paul said that those that were strong knew that the meat was just meat because the idols were nothing, but for those that had come out of idol worship eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols was wrong and to them it was a sin.
A drink of wine or a can of beer may not be wrong for some folks but for someone that is struggling with addiction to alcohol it is very wrong and for someone to drink in front of a believer that struggles with alcohol would be a sin because that person may cause the weaker brother to stumble.
Drinking of alcohol in itself may not be wrong, but just the results of the damage done by the alcohol industry should be enough for you to refrain from drinking. How many of you have family or friends that have been hurt by someone under the influence of alcohol?
Application
I will help people that struggle with alcohol by encouraging them to join Celebrate Recovery and let them know that God loves them and I love them too.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be able to love people that struggle with alcoholism and help them walk in sobriety. Give me the strength to hang in there with them even when they act out, even when they relapse, even when they mess up. Help me today as I talk with people about their relationship with you that I would be able to communicate the Gospel clearly. Direct my thoughts and my attitudes today that they may be pleasing to You.
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Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8
9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
Observation
There is freedom in Christ but we can’t flaunt that freedom and hurt folks that may be weaker than we are. Drinking alcohol is probably the closest example of what Paul was talking about in this passage about eating meat that had been used in idol worship. Paul said that those that were strong knew that the meat was just meat because the idols were nothing, but for those that had come out of idol worship eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols was wrong and to them it was a sin.
A drink of wine or a can of beer may not be wrong for some folks but for someone that is struggling with addiction to alcohol it is very wrong and for someone to drink in front of a believer that struggles with alcohol would be a sin because that person may cause the weaker brother to stumble.
Drinking of alcohol in itself may not be wrong, but just the results of the damage done by the alcohol industry should be enough for you to refrain from drinking. How many of you have family or friends that have been hurt by someone under the influence of alcohol?
Application
I will help people that struggle with alcohol by encouraging them to join Celebrate Recovery and let them know that God loves them and I love them too.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be able to love people that struggle with alcoholism and help them walk in sobriety. Give me the strength to hang in there with them even when they act out, even when they relapse, even when they mess up. Help me today as I talk with people about their relationship with you that I would be able to communicate the Gospel clearly. Direct my thoughts and my attitudes today that they may be pleasing to You.
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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Things
Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
Observation
Getting attached to things…hmm…like…cars, boats, guns, collections, stuff etc is wrong. Why? Because the world as we know will soon pass away and none of our things that we have accumulated or have spent time on are going to last. Relationships on the other hand are something to focus our attention on. Love is going to last forever and the last time I checked forever is a real long time!
Paul said that getting married even makes it more difficult to live a life totally committed to the Lord. If you can stay single without falling into sexual immorality he suggested that staying single would make it easier to be totally focused on the Lord and the ministry that the Lord has called you to.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Application
I will focus my attention on improving the relationships in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be a lover of things. I know that they just break, wear out, and take up space. They also take up my time. Help me focus on Your kingdom this week. Help me to seek You first and everything else ever that. I pray that today You would receive much glory as we gather together for worship.
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Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
Observation
Getting attached to things…hmm…like…cars, boats, guns, collections, stuff etc is wrong. Why? Because the world as we know will soon pass away and none of our things that we have accumulated or have spent time on are going to last. Relationships on the other hand are something to focus our attention on. Love is going to last forever and the last time I checked forever is a real long time!
Paul said that getting married even makes it more difficult to live a life totally committed to the Lord. If you can stay single without falling into sexual immorality he suggested that staying single would make it easier to be totally focused on the Lord and the ministry that the Lord has called you to.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Application
I will focus my attention on improving the relationships in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be a lover of things. I know that they just break, wear out, and take up space. They also take up my time. Help me focus on Your kingdom this week. Help me to seek You first and everything else ever that. I pray that today You would receive much glory as we gather together for worship.
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
RUN!
Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 6
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Observation
Are you tempted with a sexual sin? The Bible tells us what to do … RUN! Don’t flirt around with a sexual temptation because it is the worst kind of sin that you can commit. It is a sin that is against our own bodies and our bodies belong to the Lord. Our bodies now are the Temple of God.
Do you remember the reverence that was demanded by God when the nation of Israel went to the Temple to worship? If the high priest would do anything incorrectly while he was in the holy of holies he could be struck dead. They would listen to hear the bells that were fastened on the tassels of his robe and if they could not hear them then they knew that he was dead.
The Temple was a Holy place. Now Christians have become the Temple of God. Run from sexual sin.
Application
I will run from sexual sin!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep myself pure from sexual sin. Help me to take of my body because it is where Your Holy Spirit resides.
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Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 6
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Observation
Are you tempted with a sexual sin? The Bible tells us what to do … RUN! Don’t flirt around with a sexual temptation because it is the worst kind of sin that you can commit. It is a sin that is against our own bodies and our bodies belong to the Lord. Our bodies now are the Temple of God.
Do you remember the reverence that was demanded by God when the nation of Israel went to the Temple to worship? If the high priest would do anything incorrectly while he was in the holy of holies he could be struck dead. They would listen to hear the bells that were fastened on the tassels of his robe and if they could not hear them then they knew that he was dead.
The Temple was a Holy place. Now Christians have become the Temple of God. Run from sexual sin.
Application
I will run from sexual sin!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep myself pure from sexual sin. Help me to take of my body because it is where Your Holy Spirit resides.
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Using Good Judgment But Not Being Judgmental!
Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 5
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
Observation
Have you ever said that we as Christians shouldn’t be “judgmental”? God doesn’t want us to put other people down because of their faults or because of their sins but He does want us to use our good judgment especially with folks that call themselves “Christians”. There are times when we must use good judgment and use church discipline, but at the same time we must be redemptive in our actions.
God will deal with those outside the church but we must firmly but gently correct those within our fellowship. The men in the small group that I meet with give each other the permission to hold each other accountable. When you have that kind of an agreement up front it makes it easier to confront.
Application
I will accept correction from those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live so close to You that I will know when I have stepped over the line and have involved myself in sin. Help me to accept correction from others when it is needed. Give me the strength to confront those that call themselves Christians but act out because of hurts, hang ups, and bad habits that hurt their testimony and the testimony of Your church. I pray that our church would continue to grow healthier everyday. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of our people. You are a Mighty God.
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Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 5
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
Observation
Have you ever said that we as Christians shouldn’t be “judgmental”? God doesn’t want us to put other people down because of their faults or because of their sins but He does want us to use our good judgment especially with folks that call themselves “Christians”. There are times when we must use good judgment and use church discipline, but at the same time we must be redemptive in our actions.
God will deal with those outside the church but we must firmly but gently correct those within our fellowship. The men in the small group that I meet with give each other the permission to hold each other accountable. When you have that kind of an agreement up front it makes it easier to confront.
Application
I will accept correction from those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live so close to You that I will know when I have stepped over the line and have involved myself in sin. Help me to accept correction from others when it is needed. Give me the strength to confront those that call themselves Christians but act out because of hurts, hang ups, and bad habits that hurt their testimony and the testimony of Your church. I pray that our church would continue to grow healthier everyday. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of our people. You are a Mighty God.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Victory God’s Way!
Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
Joshua 6
1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.
On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
Observation
When God ask you to do something have you noticed that it is usually not the way we would have done it? I wonder what the Israelites thought day after day after day for 6 days of walking around the city of Jericho. I wonder what they thought on the seventh day on the seventh lap around the city and then I wonder what they thought when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. God does things strangely and slowly and He does them for His glory not ours!
Application
Yes, God loves doing new things. I will adapt to His plans.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us have the faith of those Israelites as they walked around Jericho. I can’t begin to imagine the excitement that they must have felt when they saw those walls come tumbling down. Give me the faith to believe You for awesome miracles like they experienced around the city of Jericho. You are awesome. You are powerful. Nothing is too hard for You!
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Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Joshua 6
1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.
On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
Observation
When God ask you to do something have you noticed that it is usually not the way we would have done it? I wonder what the Israelites thought day after day after day for 6 days of walking around the city of Jericho. I wonder what they thought on the seventh day on the seventh lap around the city and then I wonder what they thought when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. God does things strangely and slowly and He does them for His glory not ours!
Application
Yes, God loves doing new things. I will adapt to His plans.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us have the faith of those Israelites as they walked around Jericho. I can’t begin to imagine the excitement that they must have felt when they saw those walls come tumbling down. Give me the faith to believe You for awesome miracles like they experienced around the city of Jericho. You are awesome. You are powerful. Nothing is too hard for You!
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
He Delights in Us!
Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
Psalm 37
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Observation
Are you a Christ follower? Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do then Psalm 37 has to be one of your favorite Psalms. Just in two verses of this Psalm look at how much we find out about our relationship with our Heavenly Father:
And that is just from two of the forty verses found in Psalm 37. I hope that you take time this morning to read the entire Psalm.
Application
I will do a word search for the word “delights” to see if God says that in other places in His Word.
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11
"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Ps. 22:8
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you delight in the details of my life. I get bogged down with the details of my life and You delight in them. Thank You for directing my steps. Thank you for keeping me from falling by holding me up with Your Mighty hand. I don’t know how You can keep up with all of Your followers all over the world at the same time, but I know that You do. You are amazing! Guide my steps today. Put on my heart the important things for today.
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Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
Psalm 37
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Observation
Are you a Christ follower? Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do then Psalm 37 has to be one of your favorite Psalms. Just in two verses of this Psalm look at how much we find out about our relationship with our Heavenly Father:
- He directs our steps.
- He delights in every detail of our lives.
- We may stumble but we will not fall because the Lord himself is holding our hand.
And that is just from two of the forty verses found in Psalm 37. I hope that you take time this morning to read the entire Psalm.
Application
I will do a word search for the word “delights” to see if God says that in other places in His Word.
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11
"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Ps. 22:8
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you delight in the details of my life. I get bogged down with the details of my life and You delight in them. Thank You for directing my steps. Thank you for keeping me from falling by holding me up with Your Mighty hand. I don’t know how You can keep up with all of Your followers all over the world at the same time, but I know that You do. You are amazing! Guide my steps today. Put on my heart the important things for today.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
God’s Holy Spirit Illuminates
Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 2
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
16 For,
“Who can know the LORD’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
Observation
As Christians we get to know a lot of God’s deep secrets that the rest of the world can’t see or understand. They think that what we believe is all foolishness, they can’t understand, they just don’t get it. But we can understand because we have been given the mind of Christ. We are able to grasp spiritual things that they can’t comprehend.
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and gives us understanding into the deep secrets of God. “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?” We can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. God’s Holy Spirit helps us understand spiritual truths that others can’t understand.
How about this spiritual truth, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
God says that our minds can’t even begin to imagine what God has prepared for us that love Him. Think about that all day today!
Application
I will meditate on “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have something very good in store for me and for everyone else that loves You. It is so good that it is beyond our comprehension. We can’t even imagine in our minds something as good as what you are preparing for us. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit that allows me to understand spiritual truths that people without Christ can’t. You love me so much even though I don’t deserve Your love. Help me love others like You love me. Amen.
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Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 2
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
16 For,
“Who can know the LORD’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
Observation
As Christians we get to know a lot of God’s deep secrets that the rest of the world can’t see or understand. They think that what we believe is all foolishness, they can’t understand, they just don’t get it. But we can understand because we have been given the mind of Christ. We are able to grasp spiritual things that they can’t comprehend.
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and gives us understanding into the deep secrets of God. “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?” We can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. God’s Holy Spirit helps us understand spiritual truths that others can’t understand.
How about this spiritual truth, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
God says that our minds can’t even begin to imagine what God has prepared for us that love Him. Think about that all day today!
Application
I will meditate on “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have something very good in store for me and for everyone else that loves You. It is so good that it is beyond our comprehension. We can’t even imagine in our minds something as good as what you are preparing for us. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit that allows me to understand spiritual truths that people without Christ can’t. You love me so much even though I don’t deserve Your love. Help me love others like You love me. Amen.
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Monday, March 16, 2009
The Message of The Cross
Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 1
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Observation
As I witness to people every Monday at Mission Tampa I have been amazed that most of the folks think that they are going to get to Heaven by their own good works. Part of my amazement is the fact that many of these people have been coming to Mission Tampa for several years to receive help and each time they have talked with a counselor. So even after hearing the Gospel they still reject that message and want to rely on human wisdom for their salvation.
“The message of the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” The Bible says that the Jews were offended by the message of the cross and the Gentiles thought it was just total nonsense.
It is our job to share the message and it is God’s job to save! It is all about the cross. It is all about a Savior crucified in my place and in your place. We deserve to die for our sins, but He died for us. Does this make sense to you or do you still think that it is all nonsense?
Application
I will strive to present a clear message of the cross to those at Mission Tampa this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me make the message of the cross perfectly clear today. I pray that the people that I talk to will understand that they are lost without Christ. Help me to communicate Your message clearly to them and I pray that You would open up their hearts so they can be saved.
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Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Observation
As I witness to people every Monday at Mission Tampa I have been amazed that most of the folks think that they are going to get to Heaven by their own good works. Part of my amazement is the fact that many of these people have been coming to Mission Tampa for several years to receive help and each time they have talked with a counselor. So even after hearing the Gospel they still reject that message and want to rely on human wisdom for their salvation.
“The message of the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” The Bible says that the Jews were offended by the message of the cross and the Gentiles thought it was just total nonsense.
It is our job to share the message and it is God’s job to save! It is all about the cross. It is all about a Savior crucified in my place and in your place. We deserve to die for our sins, but He died for us. Does this make sense to you or do you still think that it is all nonsense?
Application
I will strive to present a clear message of the cross to those at Mission Tampa this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me make the message of the cross perfectly clear today. I pray that the people that I talk to will understand that they are lost without Christ. Help me to communicate Your message clearly to them and I pray that You would open up their hearts so they can be saved.
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
You are not that important!
Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
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Scripture
Galatians 6
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Observation
None of us are too important to help someone else that needs a hand. We need to be ready to help someone that is struggling with a hurt, habit, or a hang – up and get him or her back on the right track. And at the same time we need to realize that we could mess up like just they are doing so we better be careful.
Application
I will look for someone to gently help this week to get back on the right path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who it is that I need to help. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to help them. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for what you are doing in our church. You are so Wonderful. You alone are Worthy to be Praised!
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Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
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Scripture
Galatians 6
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Observation
None of us are too important to help someone else that needs a hand. We need to be ready to help someone that is struggling with a hurt, habit, or a hang – up and get him or her back on the right track. And at the same time we need to realize that we could mess up like just they are doing so we better be careful.
Application
I will look for someone to gently help this week to get back on the right path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who it is that I need to help. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to help them. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for what you are doing in our church. You are so Wonderful. You alone are Worthy to be Praised!
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Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Old Sinful Nature and The Holy Spirit
Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
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Scripture
Galatians 5
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Observation
There is a story about an Indian that used to have a black dog and a white dog and he would fight them for money. He would make lots of money on these dogfights because he always knew which dog was going to win the fight and he would bet on that dog. Sometimes the white dog won and sometimes it was the black dogs time to win. Someone asked him how he knew which one was going to win to which he replied, “oh that is easy - the one I feed the most.”
The old sinful nature is at war with our new nature and the one that is winning is the one that we are feeding the most. If you are not eating daily from the Word of God then your evil sinful nature is winning and the result or the fruit of your life will be: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
If you are feasting on God’s Word everyday then the fruit of your life will be: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Application
I plan to feast on the Word of God so the Holy Spirit guides me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me display the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
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Scripture
Galatians 5
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Observation
There is a story about an Indian that used to have a black dog and a white dog and he would fight them for money. He would make lots of money on these dogfights because he always knew which dog was going to win the fight and he would bet on that dog. Sometimes the white dog won and sometimes it was the black dogs time to win. Someone asked him how he knew which one was going to win to which he replied, “oh that is easy - the one I feed the most.”
The old sinful nature is at war with our new nature and the one that is winning is the one that we are feeding the most. If you are not eating daily from the Word of God then your evil sinful nature is winning and the result or the fruit of your life will be: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
If you are feasting on God’s Word everyday then the fruit of your life will be: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Application
I plan to feast on the Word of God so the Holy Spirit guides me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me display the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life today!
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Friday, March 13, 2009
A Rich Inheritance!
Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
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Scripture
Galatians 4
6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Observation
We are God’s children and we have a wonderful inheritance! Everything that is God’s is ours. We have all spiritual blessings in heavenly realms. There is not one thing we lack. “Abba” is like saying “Daddy” in English and that is the kind of relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. False teachers were messing the Galatian Christians up and trying to get them to live under the law and not under the freedom found in Christ. There are always some people that want to live by the law, by rules, and these people try to keep us from enjoying our relationship with Christ!
Application
I will live today like a child of God. I am a King’s Kid!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your very own. I am your child. Thank you for the rich inheritance that I have in You. I am rich. I don’t lack one single thing.
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Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
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Scripture
Galatians 4
6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Observation
We are God’s children and we have a wonderful inheritance! Everything that is God’s is ours. We have all spiritual blessings in heavenly realms. There is not one thing we lack. “Abba” is like saying “Daddy” in English and that is the kind of relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. False teachers were messing the Galatian Christians up and trying to get them to live under the law and not under the freedom found in Christ. There are always some people that want to live by the law, by rules, and these people try to keep us from enjoying our relationship with Christ!
Application
I will live today like a child of God. I am a King’s Kid!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your very own. I am your child. Thank you for the rich inheritance that I have in You. I am rich. I don’t lack one single thing.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009
“Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Deuteronomy 19; Deuteronomy 20; Deuteronomy 21; Galatians 3
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Scripture
Galatians 3
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Deuteronomy 21
22 “If someone has committed a crime worthy of death and is executed and hung on a tree, 23 the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight. You must bury the body that same day, for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God. In this way, you will prevent the defilement of the land the LORD your God is giving you as your special possession.
Observation
We deserve the curse of being hung on a tree, but Christ took our curse for us and He hung on the cross in our place! We have been rescued from the curse that we deserve.
There was no cruel punishment worse than to be hung on a cross. It was the worse curse possible. The opposite of a blessing would be a curse and we do not deserve any of the blessings that we enjoy, but we do deserve to be cursed.
God’s unfailing love has provided a way for us to escape the curse of condemnation, judgment, and eternal punishment in hell and that way is found in Jesus.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." John 5:24
Application
I am a child of God. I am blessed not cursed because of God’s love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to be one of Your children. I don’t deserve it. I realize that I can enjoy all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms because of Christ. Thank you for taking my curse and nailing it to Jesus on that cross. I am blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 19; Deuteronomy 20; Deuteronomy 21; Galatians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Galatians 3
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
Deuteronomy 21
22 “If someone has committed a crime worthy of death and is executed and hung on a tree, 23 the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight. You must bury the body that same day, for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God. In this way, you will prevent the defilement of the land the LORD your God is giving you as your special possession.
Observation
We deserve the curse of being hung on a tree, but Christ took our curse for us and He hung on the cross in our place! We have been rescued from the curse that we deserve.
There was no cruel punishment worse than to be hung on a cross. It was the worse curse possible. The opposite of a blessing would be a curse and we do not deserve any of the blessings that we enjoy, but we do deserve to be cursed.
God’s unfailing love has provided a way for us to escape the curse of condemnation, judgment, and eternal punishment in hell and that way is found in Jesus.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." John 5:24
Application
I am a child of God. I am blessed not cursed because of God’s love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to be one of Your children. I don’t deserve it. I realize that I can enjoy all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms because of Christ. Thank you for taking my curse and nailing it to Jesus on that cross. I am blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Power of 220!
Deuteronomy 16; Deuteronomy 17; Deuteronomy 18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2
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Scripture
Galatians 2
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Observation
Have you ever experienced 220 volts of power? I was helping my father-in-law one day over at his house disconnect a window air conditioner to take it out to replace it. So I asked him “are you sure the power is turned off” to which he replied, “of course the power is turned off” so just to make sure he had really turned off the correct breaker I touched the screw driver across the two wires.
The explosion that occurred next taught me a huge lesson, and that lesson is this, “You don’t mess around with 220 volts.” The end of my new screwdriver was blown off and the arc momentarily blinded me just like what happens when a person looks at something while someone is welding it.
We have that same kind of incredible power available to us in Galatians 2:20. If we die to self and allow Christ to live in us then we will be powerful people – we will be explosive. So if your life lacks 220 power then maybe you are not connected to the right source.
Application
I am asking Christ to live through me today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to live with Galatians 2:20 power. Today I want Christ to live through me. Help me to die to self and help me to trust in Christ and rely on His power throughout this day. Thank you for giving me the strength and the power of Christ. Be glorified through my life today. Amen.
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Deuteronomy 16; Deuteronomy 17; Deuteronomy 18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Galatians 2
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Observation
Have you ever experienced 220 volts of power? I was helping my father-in-law one day over at his house disconnect a window air conditioner to take it out to replace it. So I asked him “are you sure the power is turned off” to which he replied, “of course the power is turned off” so just to make sure he had really turned off the correct breaker I touched the screw driver across the two wires.
The explosion that occurred next taught me a huge lesson, and that lesson is this, “You don’t mess around with 220 volts.” The end of my new screwdriver was blown off and the arc momentarily blinded me just like what happens when a person looks at something while someone is welding it.
We have that same kind of incredible power available to us in Galatians 2:20. If we die to self and allow Christ to live in us then we will be powerful people – we will be explosive. So if your life lacks 220 power then maybe you are not connected to the right source.
Application
I am asking Christ to live through me today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to live with Galatians 2:20 power. Today I want Christ to live through me. Help me to die to self and help me to trust in Christ and rely on His power throughout this day. Thank you for giving me the strength and the power of Christ. Be glorified through my life today. Amen.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Rescued!
Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1
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Scripture
Galatians 1
3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
A few weeks ago a young man named Nick Schuyler was rescued after floating in the Gulf of Mexico for several days. Three of his friends, Will Bleakley, Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith succumbed to the cold water and drowned. This young man was over 30 miles out in the Gulf and there was no way he could save himself he had to have a savior. He had to be rescued.
We can’t save ourselves from this evil world and God knew this before He even created this world. God’s plan for our rescue was costly, the life of His One and only Son – Jesus. Jesus came to earth to seek and to save those who are lost. He gave His life on the cross to rescue us from this evil world.
Jesus died for me and He died for you. He gave His life on the cross as a gift. He wants us to exchange our sinful life for His sinless life. A gift is only ours when we receive it. Jesus gave His life for you and for me as a gift. I received Jesus Christ, I received God’s gift of eternal life back when I was nineteen years old. Have you received God’s gift of salvation? Or are you still floating around in this evil world, lost without a Savior.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment,
John 14:6
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 5:24
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Romans 10:9-10
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the families of these men that were lost at sea. I pray that You would comfort them in this time of loss. I pray for the young man that was rescued at sea that You would help him deal with this terrible experience and that You would walk with him through it. Give all of them strength. I pray that they would be drawn closer to You because of this tragedy and that it would not cause them to distance themselves from You.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Galatians 1
3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
A few weeks ago a young man named Nick Schuyler was rescued after floating in the Gulf of Mexico for several days. Three of his friends, Will Bleakley, Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith succumbed to the cold water and drowned. This young man was over 30 miles out in the Gulf and there was no way he could save himself he had to have a savior. He had to be rescued.
We can’t save ourselves from this evil world and God knew this before He even created this world. God’s plan for our rescue was costly, the life of His One and only Son – Jesus. Jesus came to earth to seek and to save those who are lost. He gave His life on the cross to rescue us from this evil world.
Jesus died for me and He died for you. He gave His life on the cross as a gift. He wants us to exchange our sinful life for His sinless life. A gift is only ours when we receive it. Jesus gave His life for you and for me as a gift. I received Jesus Christ, I received God’s gift of eternal life back when I was nineteen years old. Have you received God’s gift of salvation? Or are you still floating around in this evil world, lost without a Savior.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment,
John 14:6
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 5:24
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Romans 10:9-10
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the families of these men that were lost at sea. I pray that You would comfort them in this time of loss. I pray for the young man that was rescued at sea that You would help him deal with this terrible experience and that You would walk with him through it. Give all of them strength. I pray that they would be drawn closer to You because of this tragedy and that it would not cause them to distance themselves from You.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Blessing Or A Curse – It’s Our Choice!
Deuteronomy 10; Deuteronomy 11; Deuteronomy 12; Mark 16
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 11
26 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.
Observation
The children of Israel were getting ready to go into the Promise Land and Moses was giving them final instructions. These instructions also are just as valid for us today. If we choose to obey God then we are blessed but if we choose to live our lives in disobedience to God we live out our lives cursed.
I see it all the time, but people still just don’t get it. Jesus said in John 10:10 “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” The Evil one is a thief and that same verse says that his “purpose is to steal and kill and destroy”.
The choice is ours:
1. A life of blessings
2. Or a life that is cursed
What choice are you making today? I am choosing to live out my life in obedience to the God who loves me, to the God who saved me, to the One who blesses me!
Application
I choose to live for God today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be blessed by You. Help me live out my life in obedience. Help me to please You today. Keep me away from sin. I pray for those that are struggling with the lure of this world I pray that You would open up their eyes so they can see Your Goodness and so that they can understand how much You want to bless them. And help them say “No” to the lies of the Evil one. You are the Mighty God! You alone are Worthy of Praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 10; Deuteronomy 11; Deuteronomy 12; Mark 16
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 11
26 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.
Observation
The children of Israel were getting ready to go into the Promise Land and Moses was giving them final instructions. These instructions also are just as valid for us today. If we choose to obey God then we are blessed but if we choose to live our lives in disobedience to God we live out our lives cursed.
I see it all the time, but people still just don’t get it. Jesus said in John 10:10 “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” The Evil one is a thief and that same verse says that his “purpose is to steal and kill and destroy”.
The choice is ours:
1. A life of blessings
2. Or a life that is cursed
What choice are you making today? I am choosing to live out my life in obedience to the God who loves me, to the God who saved me, to the One who blesses me!
Application
I choose to live for God today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be blessed by You. Help me live out my life in obedience. Help me to please You today. Keep me away from sin. I pray for those that are struggling with the lure of this world I pray that You would open up their eyes so they can see Your Goodness and so that they can understand how much You want to bless them. And help them say “No” to the lies of the Evil one. You are the Mighty God! You alone are Worthy of Praise!
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Sunday, March 08, 2009
It Is Not Because Of Our Goodness!
Deuteronomy 7; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 9; Mark 15
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 9
4 “After the LORD your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The LORD has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way.
5 It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The LORD your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
6 You must recognize that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.
Deuteronomy 7
6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
7 “The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the LORD rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
9 Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Observation
I got this morning realizing that I am so blessed. I asked myself this morning if there was anything else I would rather being doing with my life and I answered myself “no”. (I know that you talk to yourself too) I am doing just what I want to be doing and just what God wants me to be doing.
God loves me. He loves me just because He wants to love me. It is not because I am good. I am not. He loves me because He is a loving God. He is a faithful God. He lavishes his unfailing love on me and to all those that love him and obey his commands.
Application
I am going to enjoy being with God’s people today and I am going to enjoy worshiping my Great and Awesome God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me serve You. Thank you for allowing me to know You personally and giving me the life that I get to live. I am so blessed. I pray today that You bless Your people. I pray for Marvin as he comes to be baptized. Bless he and his family. Use him to further Your kingdom. Help him to grow and become a strong man of God. You are Worthy to be Praised! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 7; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 9; Mark 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Deuteronomy 9
4 “After the LORD your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The LORD has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way.
5 It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The LORD your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
6 You must recognize that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.
Deuteronomy 7
6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
7 “The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the LORD rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
9 Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Observation
I got this morning realizing that I am so blessed. I asked myself this morning if there was anything else I would rather being doing with my life and I answered myself “no”. (I know that you talk to yourself too) I am doing just what I want to be doing and just what God wants me to be doing.
God loves me. He loves me just because He wants to love me. It is not because I am good. I am not. He loves me because He is a loving God. He is a faithful God. He lavishes his unfailing love on me and to all those that love him and obey his commands.
Application
I am going to enjoy being with God’s people today and I am going to enjoy worshiping my Great and Awesome God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me serve You. Thank you for allowing me to know You personally and giving me the life that I get to live. I am so blessed. I pray today that You bless Your people. I pray for Marvin as he comes to be baptized. Bless he and his family. Use him to further Your kingdom. Help him to grow and become a strong man of God. You are Worthy to be Praised! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The Great “I AM”
Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
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Scripture
Mark 14
60 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 Jesus said, 63 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? 64 You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”
Observation
Today we have some religious folks that think Jesus was just a man and so they believe that Jesus is not God. He is either God or He is a liar because the high priest knew exactly Who He was claiming to be and said that His claim of Deity was blasphemy deserving death.
I thought it interesting that in the Gospel of John when it is describing the arrest of Jesus in the garden that the entire cohort of soldiers fell to the ground when Jesus said, “I AM”. “Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him. Stepping forward to meet them, he asked, "Whom are you looking for?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. Judas was standing there with them when Jesus identified himself. And as he said, "I am he," they all fell backward to the ground!” John 18
How many “I AM’s” do you remember Jesus claiming for Himself in the Gospel of John?
I Am the bread of Life
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
I Am the Door
I Am the Good Shepherd
I Am the Living Water
I Am the Light of the World
I AM the ? (I know that there is one more “I AM” in John)
Application
I will worship and serve the Great I AM today with all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind and all of my strength!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus! I look forward to the day when I will see the great “I AM, the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Come Lord Jesus!
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Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
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Scripture
Mark 14
60 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 Jesus said, 63 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? 64 You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”
Observation
Today we have some religious folks that think Jesus was just a man and so they believe that Jesus is not God. He is either God or He is a liar because the high priest knew exactly Who He was claiming to be and said that His claim of Deity was blasphemy deserving death.
I thought it interesting that in the Gospel of John when it is describing the arrest of Jesus in the garden that the entire cohort of soldiers fell to the ground when Jesus said, “I AM”. “Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him. Stepping forward to meet them, he asked, "Whom are you looking for?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. Judas was standing there with them when Jesus identified himself. And as he said, "I am he," they all fell backward to the ground!” John 18
How many “I AM’s” do you remember Jesus claiming for Himself in the Gospel of John?
I Am the bread of Life
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
I Am the Door
I Am the Good Shepherd
I Am the Living Water
I Am the Light of the World
I AM the ? (I know that there is one more “I AM” in John)
Application
I will worship and serve the Great I AM today with all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind and all of my strength!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus! I look forward to the day when I will see the great “I AM, the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Come Lord Jesus!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Stay alert!
Deuteronomy 3; Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
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Scripture
Mark 13
26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
Observation
The Bible tells us to stay alert for several different reasons:
“Be self- controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
But in this passage we are told to be alert and ready for the return of Christ. It would be sad to be Christ – Followers but caught off guard at His return. So we need to live like He is coming back today! He might!
Application
I will live today like this may be the day Jesus returns!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 3; Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 13
26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
Observation
The Bible tells us to stay alert for several different reasons:
“Be self- controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
But in this passage we are told to be alert and ready for the return of Christ. It would be sad to be Christ – Followers but caught off guard at His return. So we need to live like He is coming back today! He might!
Application
I will live today like this may be the day Jesus returns!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
24 Of The Most Important Words In The Bible!
Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 2; Mark 12
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Scripture
Mark 12
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Observation
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself” Those are the 24 most important words in the Bible.
The poor widow was an example of someone that loved the Lord with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength. It wasn’t how much she gave but it was how much she held back - nothing.
It is not how much we give it is how much we hold back for ourselves that reveals the depth of love we have for God.
Application
I will keep less of what I have for myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 2; Mark 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 12
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Observation
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself” Those are the 24 most important words in the Bible.
The poor widow was an example of someone that loved the Lord with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength. It wasn’t how much she gave but it was how much she held back - nothing.
It is not how much we give it is how much we hold back for ourselves that reveals the depth of love we have for God.
Application
I will keep less of what I have for myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Holding a Grudge Will Cost You
Numbers 34; Numbers 35; Numbers 36; Mark 11
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Scripture
Mark 11
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Observation
The disciples are amazed that a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the day before had withered from one day to the next. Jesus response to their amazement was a lesson on prayer. This is huge promise, but it is a promise with a condition, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” The promise is that we can ask anything in prayer and if we believe that we have received it then it will be ours, if we are not holding a grudge in our heart towards someone.
Right relationships here on earth is the key to answered prayer.
If you prayers aren’t making it beyond the ceiling then you might want to do an evaluation. Are you harboring ill feelings against someone? Who needs your forgiveness? Did you catch what Jesus says in verse 25, “But when you are praying, first forgive…” I believe what Jesus is saying is that when we are praying we need to let God know that we have been holding a grudge against someone and then we need to forgive that person … we have to let it go and give that hurt over to the Lord.
“Love … keeps no record of when it has been wronged.” 1 Cor. 13:5
“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;” Psalm 66:18
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”1 Peter 3:7
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col. 3:13
Application
I will ask the Lord to show me if I am holding a grudge against anyone.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to have mountain moving faith and I know that I can’t experience that kind of answered prayer if I don’t forgive people. Show me who needs my forgiveness. Show me anyone that I need to go to and ask for his or her forgiveness. I pray that you would not let me hurt people or hurt myself by holding on to a grudge.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Numbers 34; Numbers 35; Numbers 36; Mark 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 11
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Observation
The disciples are amazed that a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the day before had withered from one day to the next. Jesus response to their amazement was a lesson on prayer. This is huge promise, but it is a promise with a condition, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” The promise is that we can ask anything in prayer and if we believe that we have received it then it will be ours, if we are not holding a grudge in our heart towards someone.
Right relationships here on earth is the key to answered prayer.
If you prayers aren’t making it beyond the ceiling then you might want to do an evaluation. Are you harboring ill feelings against someone? Who needs your forgiveness? Did you catch what Jesus says in verse 25, “But when you are praying, first forgive…” I believe what Jesus is saying is that when we are praying we need to let God know that we have been holding a grudge against someone and then we need to forgive that person … we have to let it go and give that hurt over to the Lord.
“Love … keeps no record of when it has been wronged.” 1 Cor. 13:5
“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;” Psalm 66:18
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”1 Peter 3:7
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col. 3:13
Application
I will ask the Lord to show me if I am holding a grudge against anyone.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to have mountain moving faith and I know that I can’t experience that kind of answered prayer if I don’t forgive people. Show me who needs my forgiveness. Show me anyone that I need to go to and ask for his or her forgiveness. I pray that you would not let me hurt people or hurt myself by holding on to a grudge.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
“Then who in the world can be saved?”
Numbers 32; Numbers 33; Mark 10
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Scripture
Mark 10
The Rich Man
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”
24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Observation
The rich young ruler had come to Jesus to ask him how he could have eternal life, but the answer was too costly for him. You see Jesus told him that he would have to get rid of the god of money that he was worshiping and the rich young man would have to follow Jesus. Everybody worships some god. I watch so many in our country worship the god of pleasure. By the worlds standard even the poorest person in the United States is very rich. Alcohol, drugs, and sex seem to be the gods of choice for so many these days. In our affluence we refuse just like the rich young ruler did to turn from the little gods of pleasure to the one true God.
I am reminded from this passage that it is impossible for us to do anything to gain eternal life it is something that only God can give. I remember back to my days before I surrendered my life to Christ and I worshiped those little gods of pleasure. I remember the emptiness, I remember how my life didn’t have purpose, and I remember how those little gods didn’t feel the hole in my heart.
Have you ever thought to yourself about someone that you love about someone that is living a life controlled by alcohol, drugs, or sexual addiction, have you ever asked yourself, “What in the world is it going to take from them to turn their lives around and turn to God?” Have you ever asked that question? I sure have.
The answer is found in verse twenty-seven of Mark chapter ten when Jesus looked at His disciples intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” He looked at his disciples “intently”. He was totally focused on His disciples - His gaze was penetrating through to their hearts.
And He then gave His disciples the answer to their question of “Who in the world can be saved?” and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Yesterday I counseled people at Mission Tampa that had come to receive free food and I asked every one of them this question, “If you were to die today where would you spend eternity?” and every one of them answered “Heaven”. I then asked them this question, “If you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God said, “why should I let you into My Heaven - what would you say?” and everyone of them responded ‘because I think I have been good enough’.
Then I explained to them “Humanly speaking, it is impossible for us to be good enough! We don’t get into Heaven through doing good works, or by being wealthy. God has only one way for us to go to Heaven.
We must turn from the little gods in our lives and we must turn to God. We must surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. He must become Lord of our lives. We must ask Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins and we must turn from our lives of sin and self and turn to God. The little gods are not going to satisfy the emptiness in our lives. This rich young ruler walked away from Jesus. He could have transferred his riches where they would have lasted forever, but He said “no” to Jesus.
The people around us that are trapped in addiction (to the little gods) must say, “yes” to Jesus. They must put Jesus on the throne of their lives. Only God can help them understand this truth, but He uses you and uses me in their lives because we are God’s ambassadors, we are His hands and His feet. So don’t give up on them because “Everything is possible with God”.
As I think back to when I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ and how He came into my life and saved me I remember that it wasn’t Eddy that suddenly decided to seek out God. No I remember that it was God that brought people into my life so I could be saved. God saved me. He used people to show me the way.
Application
I will not give up on any person that is still lost or that is still under the control of something other than God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know how frustrated I am with the people in my life that refuse to let go of those little gods. I watch them live for drugs, alcohol, sex, or the god of money instead of experiencing the real life that You want them to live.
I pray for their salvation today Lord. Set them free. Do a mighty work in their hearts Lord. Show them through the Christians that surround them and through those Christians that are trying to help them the way to salvation and the way to a life of victory. Open their eyes. Open their hearts to the truth so the truth can set them free! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Numbers 32; Numbers 33; Mark 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 10
The Rich Man
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”
24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Observation
The rich young ruler had come to Jesus to ask him how he could have eternal life, but the answer was too costly for him. You see Jesus told him that he would have to get rid of the god of money that he was worshiping and the rich young man would have to follow Jesus. Everybody worships some god. I watch so many in our country worship the god of pleasure. By the worlds standard even the poorest person in the United States is very rich. Alcohol, drugs, and sex seem to be the gods of choice for so many these days. In our affluence we refuse just like the rich young ruler did to turn from the little gods of pleasure to the one true God.
I am reminded from this passage that it is impossible for us to do anything to gain eternal life it is something that only God can give. I remember back to my days before I surrendered my life to Christ and I worshiped those little gods of pleasure. I remember the emptiness, I remember how my life didn’t have purpose, and I remember how those little gods didn’t feel the hole in my heart.
Have you ever thought to yourself about someone that you love about someone that is living a life controlled by alcohol, drugs, or sexual addiction, have you ever asked yourself, “What in the world is it going to take from them to turn their lives around and turn to God?” Have you ever asked that question? I sure have.
The answer is found in verse twenty-seven of Mark chapter ten when Jesus looked at His disciples intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” He looked at his disciples “intently”. He was totally focused on His disciples - His gaze was penetrating through to their hearts.
And He then gave His disciples the answer to their question of “Who in the world can be saved?” and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Yesterday I counseled people at Mission Tampa that had come to receive free food and I asked every one of them this question, “If you were to die today where would you spend eternity?” and every one of them answered “Heaven”. I then asked them this question, “If you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God said, “why should I let you into My Heaven - what would you say?” and everyone of them responded ‘because I think I have been good enough’.
Then I explained to them “Humanly speaking, it is impossible for us to be good enough! We don’t get into Heaven through doing good works, or by being wealthy. God has only one way for us to go to Heaven.
We must turn from the little gods in our lives and we must turn to God. We must surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. He must become Lord of our lives. We must ask Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins and we must turn from our lives of sin and self and turn to God. The little gods are not going to satisfy the emptiness in our lives. This rich young ruler walked away from Jesus. He could have transferred his riches where they would have lasted forever, but He said “no” to Jesus.
The people around us that are trapped in addiction (to the little gods) must say, “yes” to Jesus. They must put Jesus on the throne of their lives. Only God can help them understand this truth, but He uses you and uses me in their lives because we are God’s ambassadors, we are His hands and His feet. So don’t give up on them because “Everything is possible with God”.
As I think back to when I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ and how He came into my life and saved me I remember that it wasn’t Eddy that suddenly decided to seek out God. No I remember that it was God that brought people into my life so I could be saved. God saved me. He used people to show me the way.
Application
I will not give up on any person that is still lost or that is still under the control of something other than God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know how frustrated I am with the people in my life that refuse to let go of those little gods. I watch them live for drugs, alcohol, sex, or the god of money instead of experiencing the real life that You want them to live.
I pray for their salvation today Lord. Set them free. Do a mighty work in their hearts Lord. Show them through the Christians that surround them and through those Christians that are trying to help them the way to salvation and the way to a life of victory. Open their eyes. Open their hearts to the truth so the truth can set them free! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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